A critical reflection on the adoption of blockchain in tourism

The viewpoint discusses the impact of blockchain technology adoption on tourism. We highlight a gap in the tourism management literature. Based on a number of published works and the few implementations existing in the tourism domain we critically reflect on the ability to capture benefits, and to enhance the effectiveness of this technology. Starting with a description, often missing, of the basic architecture and functioning mechanisms of a blockchain system we discuss potential drivers and drawbacks of its adoption in the tourism domain, highlighting the managerial implications of its use. Given the gap in tourism management literature, we also suggest possible research directions for better understanding and evaluating the applicability in tourism and hospitality.